As the world of theatre was affected by the recession a decade ago, Debra Kletter founded Eat Quest NYC, a service that creates bespoke food itineraries for her clients. So successful was she at doing so that Alec Baldwin called her ‘the restaurant whisperer’. On this episode recorded earlier in the year, Debra tells Hashem how she transitioned to the world of food and food recommendations, how technology trends are changing the restaurant and food scene in cities like New York & LA, and what it takes for a truly high quality food ecosystem to thrive outside of the urban hubs. Debra sadly passed away in April but her words ring true every single day.
See also
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Hashem speaks to Ahmad Al Marri, founder of Dubai-based ice cream brand Canvas Gelato.
“Everyone has written off Dubai at one point.” Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim on how Dubai bounced back post-pandemic
Hashem and guest host Samantha Wood aka FooDiva catch up with Issam Kazim, CEO of the DTCM, which helped catapult Dubai from the early pandemic days to the other side of lockdown. They also talk about the impact of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants and The Michelin Guides on the F&B and tourism sectors.
“Energy and lots of seasoning…that’s nafas.” Chef Mohamad Orfali and his sensational culinary pivot from TV chef to award winning restaurateur
Hashem catches up with Mohamad Orfali, TV celebrity chef extraordinaire, restaurateur and co-founder of the award winning Orfali Bros restaurant in Dubai.